Less than a day before the start of the 3rd annual Amgen Tour of California (AToC) and there is a huge storm on the horizon. At the center of the controversy is Michael Ball and his Rock Racing Team; the issue being whether certain riders on his team roster will be allowed to start the race. Earlier this week, Ball submitted ten riders names as potential members of his team for the AToC. When race organizers published the team rosters, only five of those original ten were listed as potential starters. Somewhere along the way, race organizers left five of Michael's riders off the list.
On Saturday morning, Michael Ball, just back from a training ride with his team, met with the press in downtown Palo Alto, the scene of Sunday's prologue start, to address this issue. The owner of Rock and Republic clothing was adamant that none of the members of his AToC team are involved in any active doping investigation and he provided written documentation to back it up. Also provided to the media was a written letter to race organizers informing them of the same thing, that no rider on his AToC team is involved in an active doping investigation.
The passionate Ball was firm in stating that the riders named to his team, Santiago Botero, Oscar Sevilla, Tyler Hamilton and Kayle Legrande who have been linked to potential doping practices will start the race. Micheal strongly denied that he would accept a reduced number of riders if the race organizers refuse to let the aforementioned teammates participate.
At the heart of Ball's insistence is his belief that under the current conditions in professional cycling, riders need to be given the benefit of the doubt, especially if there is no open doping investigation. Ultimately, he would like to form a rider's union, something which is commonplace in most high-profile professional sports.
At the time of this blog, AToC organizers had not issued any statements as to their plans with regards to this situation. Personally, I think we have to allow riders an "innocent until proven guilty" attitude. This is their job and how they put food on the table. Keeping someone from making a living based on rumor, innuendo or unproven charges is simply not fair.
I am hoping that a solution that is fair to the teams as well as the race can be reached. The AToC has so much to offer to the fans, sponsors and teams that it would be sad to see something like this bring any dark clouds to the race. Hey, it is February in California, we have enough other dark clouds to worry about.
Bruce
Active Expert: Bruce Hildenbrand : February 16, 2008
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The official team presentation for the 3rd annual Amgen Tour of California
(AToC) took place Friday night in Sausalito. The super-swank, black-tie,
$250/person affair saw Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Bob Roll doing the
call-up and Q&A for each of the 17 teams while yours truly hosted the always
entertaining fashion show. What a way to kick off America's best bike race.
There were two surprise guests, both of whom created a buzz of excitement as
they came up on stage. To close out the fashion show, cycling aficionado,
Oscar winner and all around funny guy Robin Williams took the stage doing a
very risque cat-walk to the sounds of James Brown's tune "Sex Machine".
Selecting a James Brown song was appropriate for the entertainer many feel has
inherited the legendary blues singer's moniker as the hardest working man in
show business.
Robin's schtick brought the house down. Look for some clips on the Versus
telecast of the Amgen Tour of California on Sunday.
Just as the evening was wrapping up, Michael Ball and his Rock Racing team
took the stage for their team presentation and when a legendary tall, blond Italian
walked up on the platform, it was an exciting confirmation that 'il Leone',
Super Mario Cipollini was indeed going to be a part of the AToC. While his
exact role on the team has not yet been determined, look for Mario to be at
the start line, ready to go for Sunday's prologue. Tyler Hamilton and Oscar
Sevilla will be there as well.
Did you all know that Tom Boonen used to play basketball before he became one
of the most successful and most recognizable stars in cycling? During the
silent auction, I turned Tom onto a great photo of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
guarding each other which looked more like a wrestling match. Tom bought it
on the spot, doubling the current bid!
Actually, there are two many great moments to put in this blog. Suffice it to
say that the AToC got started in grand style and looks to be creating some
unforgettable memories for all who will attend America's premier bike race.
The fuse is lit!
Bruce
Active Expert: Bruce Hildenbrand
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